Faith Factor | The amazing power of peaceful intention

TAHOE/TRUCKEE, Calif. — Have you ever been in the presence of a truly peaceful person? Someone so composed and tranquil that they rarely if ever get upset, disturbed or agitated, but seem to take everything in their stride with a confident calmness?

If so, I’m sure you will have noticed how their peace made you feel. It’s very hard, even impossible to get, or stay ruffled while around them, or even while just thinking about them.

How many of us are really aware of the influence of our thoughts and our state of mind? Much has been discovered recently about how our thoughts and thinking patterns affect our experience, our health, our relationships and our general well being.

At the turn of the 20th century, Mary Baker Eddy, the discoverer and founder of Christian Science, wrote this remarkable statement, “Good thoughts are an impervious armor; clad therewith you are completely shielded from the attacks of error of every sort. And not only yourselves are safe, but all whom your thoughts rest upon are thereby benefited.” (First Church of Christ, Scientist and Miscellany)

At a time when there seems to be so much conflict in the world, in communities, in the workplace, in schools and in the home, how important it is to find a way to calm down our mind and get into the practice of becoming more peaceful. One such way is through the regular practice of meditation. Now there are many methods and schools of meditation, but they all, when practiced regularly, bring a very deep sense of peace, joy and compassion. And when a specific intention is included it can influence the mental state of those toward whom that intention is focused. Most Buddhist meditations end with a “dedication of merit” sent out to relieve the suffering of “all sentient beings.”

There’s a great opportunity to put this into practice this coming weekend right here in Truckee. Saturday, Sept. 21, is International Peace Day, and For Goodness Sake will host a Meditate for Peace Marathon from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at their location in downtown Truckee, 10157 Donner Pass Road.

There will be different types of meditation offered from various teachers, and you’re welcome to come and join at any time or even meditate for the whole marathon! Whether you already have an established meditation practice or if this would be your first time, come and participate in this significant activity, and see just how your own peace can benefit our community and our world!